IF SANTA Claus traded-in his red jumpsuit for a pair of tiger ears and moved to España, what Christmas requests would he have received from the UST sporting community?
In celebration of the holidays, the Varsitarian conducted a survey among several Thomasian athletes to get a general idea on their wishes this Yuletide season.
While simple gifts such as an iPod or the newest gaming console would suffice for many, some of the athlete’s wishes reflected their personality as well as the problems they encounter within the University.
“I wish that students will have access to use the elevators in the St. Raymund’s building,” said Commerce student Ralph Julius Mallari, who is also a member of the Yellow Jackets. The St. Raymund’s building houses the College of Commerce in the upper floors and the Faculty of Arts and Letters in the lower levels.
Mallari’s teammate Mark Anthony Jimenez, a Commerce junior, requested for union between pep squads and sponsorships to come.
“Have a happy and fulfilling life,” replied Female Tiger Shark Liane Marquez when asked what she wanted from Saint Nick. The Season 70 gold medal winner also wished her family in Pagbilao, Quezon good health and prosperity in the family business.
For her adopted kin in UST, Marquez wished her teammates success not only in swimming, but also in the game of life.
On the other hand, team unity was the first wish on the mind of Tiger Paddler Michael Paña, emphasizing that team solidarity reigns supreme in a true Thomasian athlete.
“The bonds that we share as a team is really the most important thing we have, I wish them all the best this Christmas,” Paña said.
Although his dedication to table tennis is unwavering, Paña does not lose sight of what his real purpose was upon entering the University — to receive quality education.
“I really want to graduate on time,” said Paña.
Even the coaches were not spared. Contentment and a successful trophy run were only a few of the ideal gifts that their wards thought up of.
“I want him (coach Cyrus Alcantara) to be able to fulfill his aspirations,” said Marquez.
Top on the list for some athletes is the major renovation of the dormitory located beside the publishing house. The building serves as a temporary shelter for players from the track-and-field and football teams. Air-conditioning units for the rooms as well as additional furniture are the presents they would wish to see under the Christmas tree.
“We wouldn’t mind a sala set and entertainment showcase too,” the members of the Lady Booters squad jokingly said.
According to Pana, the sleeping quarters in the dorm can use a little sprucing up. “I also wish that the allowance they give us would increase,” he added.
Equal treatment of all the sports is also one of the top wishes of the players.
“I wish that a lot of people would watch the games, not only in basketball but in other sporting events as well,” said Jimenez.
Far from manifesting a Spartan-like exterior from the grisly nature of his sport, Tiger Jin Juan Ric Bernardino showed a soft side after wishing for more support from the UST community toward athletes in other sports beside basketball.
“I also wish that they keep on improving in time for the next season,” said Bernardino, who won the Season 70 gold medal in Taekwondo. An injury-free year would also be a fitting present especially for athletes who participate in highly physical sports.
Despite these requests, most of the athletes had a similar wish in mind: to be with their loved ones in time for the holidays.
“We wish that UST can aide the transportation expense of those going back to their families in the province,” said Lady Booter Patricia Perlas.
